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Story
August 24, 1822
Winchester Gazette
Winchester, Virginia
What is this article about?
A gang of 15-20 ruffians, including circus riders, attacked the African Theatre in Mercer Street, extinguishing lights, destroying property, stripping actors, and beating manager Brown. Eight or nine arrested; prosecutor declines compromise.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
UNMANLY OUTRAGE.
Saturday night a gang of fifteen or twenty ruffians, among whom was arrested and recognized one or more of the Circus riders made an attack upon the African Theatre, in Mercer-street, with full intent, as is understood, to break it up root and branch--and the rigour of their operation is reported to have corresponded fully with their purpose. First entering the house by regular tickets, they proceeded, at quick time, to extinguish all the lights in the house, and then to demolish and destroy every thing in the shape of furniture, scenery, &c. &c. it contained. The actors and actresses, it is said, were fairly stripped like so many squirrels, and their glittering apparel torn in pieces over heads; the intruders thus completely putting an end to the play for the night. Eight or nine of the band were secured on the spot, and sent to the watch-house, and held to answer, in proper authorities, by the police next morning. Brown, the manager, we understand, was considerably beaten--and that attempts have been made at a compromise, which the public prosecutor, so far as the public are concerned, with a very laudable spirit, declines.
[N. Y. pa.
Saturday night a gang of fifteen or twenty ruffians, among whom was arrested and recognized one or more of the Circus riders made an attack upon the African Theatre, in Mercer-street, with full intent, as is understood, to break it up root and branch--and the rigour of their operation is reported to have corresponded fully with their purpose. First entering the house by regular tickets, they proceeded, at quick time, to extinguish all the lights in the house, and then to demolish and destroy every thing in the shape of furniture, scenery, &c. &c. it contained. The actors and actresses, it is said, were fairly stripped like so many squirrels, and their glittering apparel torn in pieces over heads; the intruders thus completely putting an end to the play for the night. Eight or nine of the band were secured on the spot, and sent to the watch-house, and held to answer, in proper authorities, by the police next morning. Brown, the manager, we understand, was considerably beaten--and that attempts have been made at a compromise, which the public prosecutor, so far as the public are concerned, with a very laudable spirit, declines.
[N. Y. pa.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Theater Attack
Ruffians
Circus Riders
Arrests
African Theatre
Mercer Street
Property Destruction
What entities or persons were involved?
Brown (Manager)
Circus Riders
Where did it happen?
African Theatre, In Mercer Street
Story Details
Key Persons
Brown (Manager)
Circus Riders
Location
African Theatre, In Mercer Street
Event Date
Saturday Night
Story Details
A gang of fifteen or twenty ruffians, including one or more circus riders, entered the African Theatre by tickets, extinguished lights, demolished furniture and scenery, stripped actors and actresses, and beat manager Brown, ending the performance. Eight or nine were arrested and held; compromise attempts declined by prosecutor.